Reading pst files

[mbonello]

How do I read a pst file in Outlook? My backup program says it is corrupt.
Is there a special program, hopefully free, to read pst files in Outlook?

 

[guygregory]

Hi mbonello,

.pst files are the files in which all of your personal folders are stored (i.e. e-mails, contacts, calendar, etc.), ever since Outlook 97.

Normally each user will have one .pst file (think of it as a mailbox), and the location of this file is governed by the path specified in Control Panel -> Mail -> Data Files.

So in answer to your question "How do I read a pst file in Outlook?", Outlook should be already equipped to handle these files (as it is the default file type).

However, if you are trying to import your e-mails from a .pst file (maybe from a backup?). Then you simply have to go to File -> Import and Export -> Import from another program or file -> Personal Folder File, then specify the location.

If your backup program is saying the file is corrupt, then the only thing can suggest is the Microsoft 'Inbox Repair Tool'. The following is a link to the MS support article explaining how to use it:

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=197315

And finally, yes there is a program - which is free - that will read you pst files, it's called Outlook Express.....

 

[mbonello]

Thank you. I was also told to go in and try to find a corrupt file or to delete those emails that have an attachment. I use Outlook as a filing system, so I keep my emails.

When you say outlook express reads them, what does that mean? I want to view the files like in Word or Notepad. I will also try that repair link.

Thanks again for the quick response. These tek-tips really work.

 

[Claudek]

Running scanpst may help if your pst file is corrupted. Make a backup copy of your pst file and run scanpst on the other copy. You can search for this file on your HD.

Also make sure the attribute of the pst file is not set to Read Only. PST files need to be writeable to.

G'luck.

Claudius (What certifications??)

http://www.iteq.com.au

 

[Marcs41]

How do I read a pst file in Outlook?

In Outlook !

File - Open - Outlook Data File

Marc
_{If 'something' 'somewhere' gives 'some' error, expect random guesses or no replies at all. Please specify details.
Free Tip: The F1 Key does NOT destroy your PC!}
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[guygregory]

Outlook Express is a cut down version of Outlook. Outlook Express is bundled with Windows, more accurately Internet Explorer and is free (effectively).

Outlook is a part of the Microsoft Office suite of programs, but has a lot more features (and can be configured to receive mail from an Exchange mail server).

I don't really understand what you mean when you say you use Outlook as a filing system, If you could explain what exactly you are trying to achieve overall, I might be able to get a clearer picture of the problem you're having.

 

[uberduck]

I have been given the task of attempting to repair a .PST file which has been corrupted by file size bloat..ie; total .PST file size = 2.060 GB's.

I have used scanpst.exe to no availe. Scanpst.exe continues to get an error while attempting to read and repair the files. The only back up of the corrupted .PST file I could find was also over 2 GB's...so naturally it too was corrupted.

At this point I have been searching via Google for any freeware or advice. We are also looking into buying data recovery software. My supervisor would prefer for it to cover a range of situations, not just for Outlook problems. Does anyone have a preference for a particular product currently on the market?

Typically we have a good file back up system in place...but you can't keep your eye on every user in the company now can you.

Thank you to whom ever has solid advice to provide.

Uber_Duck
aka =]Sitting_Duck[=

 

[Marcs41]

I don't know if you can still access it from within Outlook with another (dummy) profile, using File Open - Outlook Data file.
If you can, you can MOVE items out of it.

Or, you could try the File - Import way...

If it works, even partly, you could be ok.

Marc
_{If 'something' 'somewhere' gives 'some' error, expect random guesses or no replies at all. Please specify details.
Free Tip: The F1 Key does NOT destroy your PC!}
How Do I Get Great Answers To my Tek-Tips Questions? See faq219-2884

 

[smah]

You will need to use the crop tool to recover what you can.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;296088&Product=out

 

[uberduck]

Thanks for the advice, actually with the file being corrupt it was not possible to access it with another account. I had tried this option already.

Though there is light at the end of the tunnel. Apparently I missed this in the Microsoft data base:

http://search.microsoft.com/search/results.aspx?st=b&na=88&View=en-us&qu=Q296088

Under article# Q296088 There is a tool which you can download and use to reduce the size of the bloated .PST file. PST2GB.exe can be used to remove a user defined ammount of data to bring it under the 2GB cap. Then use scanpst.exe to repair the file. The file should then be accessable.

I hope this can help someone down the road, I have a feeling I will be using it alot.

Uber_Duck
aka =]Sitting_Duck[=